HURLEY, Mississippi -- East Central head coach Seth Smith had only about three months time to work with his first version of the Hornets last season after taking over the helm in Hurley.

But this year, he and his staff have had a full year and off-season with the troops, and he believes that will make a difference.

"For us it's about getting the right kids in the right spots, and that was a learning process for us last year," Smith said. "We hope that we have gotten some players moved into different positions that will be beneficial for us."

Here are five players to watch for East Central this season:

1. Quarterback Jarik Biggs: Biggs was a receiver and a safety for Smith's first edition of the Hornets, but will take charge behind center this season. "He's a leader. He's one of those kids that when he speaks, everyone listens to him," Smith said. "He's a great kid, and he's athletic and very tough."

2. Tailback Nate Cohen: Cohen, like Biggs, is another player that Smith and his staff and moved to different position after he played wingback last season. He only carried the ball 32 times last year, but he averaged over seven yards per carry. The Hornets will rely on him to be the workhorse in a ground oriented attack.

3. Fullback Julian Wells: The third of the Hornet trio to be relocated into the backfield, as Wells played defensive back in 2013. Wells, like Biggs and Cohen a senior, will be counted upon in short yardage situations and to open holes for Cohen.

4. Linebackers William Phillips and Dylan Davis: New defensive coordinator David Hudson will lean heavily on this dynamic duo to help stop the opponents. Both are returning starters, and, unlike on offense, both return to their old, familiar spots. Davis led the team with almost 80 total tackles and Phillips had a team-leading six sacks. The Hornets allowed 30 or more points in eight of their 10 losses last season.

5. Safety/tailback A.J. Davis: Davis will be expected to contribute on both sides of the ball for the Hornets this season. He will man the safety spot on defense, as well as providing support running the ball when Cohen takes a breather. His versatility could come in handy late in the game for East Central this season.